Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON
About eighteen months ago, I shot a sequence of images of a a single bud as it began to unfurl on a climbing rose bush on our property. It was a very interesting project, because one of the photographs I shot is the one I have published above.
At the time, the positioning of the petals as they were about to unfurl reminded me vividly of a sight I have often seen on tarmacs at airports around the world. But I had to wait a while to shoot the image that corresponded with what the rose reminded me of.
It is the white swirl painted on the giant turbines of the jets that we see at every airport. Is it just me or do you see the graceful resemblance too?
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31 comments:
Yes, maybe that is the image of life/energy movement? Clever connection...what observational skill. The softly textured yellow rose is more appealing to the senses, though, don't you think? I would love to see the photo series you mention-sounds like an intersting project. <3
The rose is beatiful and I like the idea of your project.
You have a very keen eye and a creative spirit.
Beautiful is the word that I was looking for. :-)
Yes there is a grace in the plane engine's turbine...... just so long as it isn't switched on when you are standing there. Otherwise it would be splat!
Lovely rose.
I do see the resemblance. I'm amazed at how your mind and eye work.
I think at some level even engineers realize that things in nature are designed as they are because they work. And so do marketing/advertising folks, who are probably more responsible than engineers for the paint job on the turbine fan.
I do love these shots though. I've seen a bunch of engines from this angle, but rarely one that looked ... well, practically new. You must have inspected a lot of intakes to find this one!
Ah... brain food! Yes, I see it and it is wonderful. I think of nature as repeating patterns, but I have not thought to connect nature's patterns with everyday objects. Nice. Thank you!
I do wonder... did the rose smell sweet?
The first rose is saying "yellow." The second one is definitely saying bye-bye since someone rose early to leave on a jet plane.
Oh that is stunning - perfect rose!! My very favorite rose color - deep yellow. I love the comparison with something completely different. I like to look for patterns in my art and photography. Thanks for popping by my blog!! Sarah
there seems to be a mathematical formula that orders both kinds of phenomena.
Great matching pair David.
Love your shots and I can see the connection between the two. They're both beautiful! Great project!
And how about the elegant swirling curl on the inside of a broken open spiral shell?
I tried a similar flower project last year - was such a treat to be able to track the gradual unfurling of the bloom!
Lovely work!
Iwould like to see the sequence of the flower opening.
I am a rabid admirer of the photographers who were responsible for the series Planet Earth. There was lots of time lapse photography in that series...fascinating, awe inspiring work.
You have a keen eye David!
I much prefer the delicate swirl of the rose petal but can appreciate the architectural grace of the engine. I think you have caught the rose at it's loveliest - just as it's beginning to unfurl it's beauty.
My post is here: Carletta’s Captures.
Hi David ~ Yellow is not my favorite color BUT that rose is gorgeous. I love the symmetry and patterns which can be found in Nature - and love the connection you made.
Yes - I can see the resemblance! Very observant!
And a lovely rose it is!
Thanks for posting on Toady's Flower!
fun to see how you saw the rose in this airplane part. Seems we have gotten many ideas from nature! Lovely rose photo.
I see it too. Man copy9ing nature. :)
I love your photos of your roses. They are so delicate and beautiful. Such a luscious shade of yellow.
You captured the symmetry well on this one.
i love how math plays a part in flower design...
a greater hand has been at work here more than mere random protoplasmic combustion!
Gorgeous symmetry! I love that!
I see it, David, although it's been way too long since I've had the opportunity to fly. Some day, perhaps.
Yellow roses symbolize joy and gladness to me but in some cultures there are negative connotations to them. It sure is a beautiful flower. It reminds me of a climbing rose in the garden called ‘Royal Gold’.
The fan blade is an interesting and well shot image. It sure does look like a flower.
Oh! Beautiful connection! Quite the creative mind.
Astonishing! I wanted to say something about art imitating life but I got my brain all bollixed up trying to figure out which one was art!
As for yellow roses, that was my mom's favorite flower. When I left for college, I had a florist deliver 18 to her, one for every year she'd raised me. Seemed the least I could do for such a lovely soul!
Thanks for the memory.
I don't think a rose as beautiful as that one could ever remind me of anything else.
CJ xx
Oh ye with that observant eye. You inspire. :)
what a lovely flower...a great shot!
Beautiful rose! Nature can be a great inspiration.
That is the most beautiful rose...EVER...
Keen eye and clever brain! The rose is most beautiful and, yes, I can see the "pattern" repeated in the turbine. Art/Science imitates life.
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